Natural Family Planning

The only approved method of spacing children in the eyes of the Catholic Church

Natural Family Planning is a term used for identifying some methods of achieving or avoiding pregnancies. It is based on naturally occurring signs and symptoms of a woman’s fertile and infertile cycles. Natural family planning helps couples to enrich the bond between husband and wife.

Natural methods tend to be divided into two categories: Ovulation method (OM) and Sympto-Thermal method (STM). Ovulation methods rely on the presence of cervical mucus (observed by paying attention to the sensation and the visual aspects) in order to identify fertility and infertility while sympto-thermal methods add temperature. What works well for one individual may not work well for another. Visit the websites below to find out which method best fits your lifestyle as husband and wife.

You will receive personalized one-on-one support from a certified NFP Provider. Mary-Rose Verret is the main instructor for CMP's couples who would like to take this Online NFP Class. Mary Rose will be available to answer questions and provide personalized feedback. The timeline for completion is about a month, although you are given four (4) months of access to the online course. Click here to find out more.

Couple to Couple League

Learn NFP through CCL classes or the CCL Home Study Course. CCL sells fertility charting software, CyclePRO®. With membership, couples receive the Family Foundations magazine. This site also offers trainings for couples interested in becoming a CCL Teaching couple or Promoter.www.ccli.org

Natural Family Planning International

NFP International offers instruction through its downloadable in-depth manual, Natural Family Planning: The Complete Approach which teaches ecological breastfeeding as well as systematic NFP. (The manual is also purchasable at their website.) Downloadable charts and many interesting articles and resources are also available.www.nfpandmore.org

Ovulation Method (OM)

The Billings Ovulation Method™ is used by millions of women around the world. It was developed by Drs John and Evelyn Billings, beginning in 1953, validated by eminent international scientists, and successfully trialed by the World Health Organization. By learning to identify their natural signals of fertility, women can use the Method, consisting of the application of four common sense guidelines, to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy and to safeguard their reproductive health.

The book, “The Billings Method” by Dr. Evelyn Billings is available in most libraries. However, the help of an accredited teacher is indispensable especially at times of irregular cycles when ovulation is delayed: breastfeeding, post-partum, pre-menopause, recovering from extreme athletic and emotional stress. WOOMB International in the U.S.A. is http://www.boma-usa.org

Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System

The Pope Paul VI Institute encourages participants to attend trainings to learn more about the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System. This model is also offered through the FertilityCare Center of America’s website.www.creightonmodel.com

Family of the Americas

Nature’s Method interactive CD-ROM and the Love and Fertility book. This book is a beautifully illustrated full color book that introduces the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning in an easy to understand format. Provides practical information along with the latest scientific research and statistical evaluations from around the world. Includes the six month charting kit. Also available in Spanish and many other languages.www.familyplanning.net

Marquette Model (Marquette University)

This very informative site includes an instruction manual, online tracking chart, downloadable forms, forums and answers to many questions about NFP. This method is a hybrid protocol which involves a monitor and strips.http://nfp.marquette.edu/

The Ovulation Method

An online video is available for viewing. It teaches the ovulation method and is also for sale on DVD for $1. Downloadable tracking charts are available.www.ovulationmethod.org

General NFP

One More Soul

This site focuses on fostering God’s plan for love, marriage, and procreation. Audio clips and interesting information about NFP is available. Informative topics are available to engaged, newly married and married for years couples.www.omsoul.com